ECOWAS to Abolish Air Ticket Taxes in 2026 to Boost Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth

Published on December 11, 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has issued a significant announcement that will transform regional air travel. Air ticket taxes in West Africa will be completely eliminated by January 1, 2026, as part of an initiative to make air travel more affordable and improve regional integration. This decision is significant for the region, as high air travel costs have long hampered economic growth, trade, and tourism.

ECOWAS Tackles High Air Travel Costs

For years, West Africa has faced some of the highest air travel costs on the African continent. According to research commissioned by the ECOWAS Commission, these high costs have been attributed to excessive government-imposed taxes and aviation charges. These additional charges have made flights prohibitively expensive, especially for local businesses, traders, and tourists. As a result, the economic benefits of air connectivity have not been fully realised, with regional travel often out of reach for many people.

West Africa’s position as the region with the most expensive air transport services on the continent was a key concern discussed by Heads of State during their 2023 summit in Abuja. This summit set the stage for significant policy changes, as ECOWAS member states agreed to reduce air transport taxes and aviation charges in an effort to stimulate economic growth. The new policy, which will take effect from January 2026, will eliminate taxes on air tickets altogether and reduce aviation charges by 25%.

A Bold Step Toward Regional Integration

The decision to abolish air ticket taxes aligns with ECOWAS’ broader vision of strengthening regional integration across West Africa. Regional integration relies heavily on the movement of people, goods, and services, with air transport being a key component in fostering cross-border connections. By removing taxes that have long suppressed demand for air travel, ECOWAS aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of flights within the region.

One of the key benefits of this policy will be the significant reduction in the cost of travelling between West African countries. For instance, it has been noted that regional traders often face exorbitant ticket prices when travelling within West Africa. The removal of taxes is expected to substantially lower the cost of air tickets, making it more affordable for business people, students, and tourists to travel across the region. This, in turn, will encourage trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, which are crucial to the economic development of West Africa.

The Impact on Tourism and Trade

The aviation reforms are set to have a far-reaching impact on tourism in West Africa. Tourism is a vital industry for many countries in the region, but the high costs associated with air travel have historically deterred many potential visitors. By reducing the cost of flights, ECOWAS aims to make West Africa a more attractive destination for international tourists, which will lead to increased investment in the sector.

In addition, West African traders have long been burdened by the high costs of air transportation. For example, a trader looking to ship goods from Lagos to Dakar often faces ticket prices exceeding $3,000 due to the heavy tax burden. The abolition of air ticket taxes will significantly reduce these costs, making it easier for businesses to access regional markets and expand their reach. Furthermore, reducing air travel costs will improve access to regional markets for consumers, leading to increased trade and economic activities.

Ensuring Airline Compliance

As part of this new initiative, ECOWAS is working closely with airlines to ensure that the benefits of tax reductions are passed on to consumers in the form of lower ticket prices. It is crucial that airlines follow through with these reductions, as the full impact of the policy will only be realised if ticket prices come down in line with the removal of taxes. The collaboration between ECOWAS and airlines will help to ensure that citizens of West Africa can enjoy more affordable and accessible air travel.

Addressing Competitive Disparities

Another aspect of this reform is to make West African airlines more competitive. At present, airlines in regions such as North, East, and Southern Africa have experienced faster growth in air travel due to lower charges. West African airlines have struggled to keep pace, with charges in the region sometimes being up to 67% higher than in other African regions. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and Royal Air Maroc have capitalised on these cost advantages, while West African airlines have lagged behind.

By reducing aviation charges and removing taxes, ECOWAS hopes to level the playing field and allow West African airlines to thrive. This will not only benefit the airlines but also improve the overall travel experience for consumers, offering more choice and better service options.

A Step Towards Long-Term Economic Growth

In the long term, the removal of air ticket taxes is expected to generate significant economic benefits. As ticket prices decrease, more people will be able to afford to travel, leading to a boom in regional tourism, business activity, and trade. This increase in demand will also provide a boost to government revenues, as more people take advantage of cheaper flights, creating a positive feedback loop of economic growth.

The policy will also help to foster a more interconnected West Africa, where people can travel more freely and businesses can operate more efficiently. As trade and tourism increase, governments will benefit from greater economic activity, higher tax revenues, and increased foreign investment.

Conclusion

The elimination of air ticket taxes in West Africa is a historic decision that will reshape the region’s aviation landscape. By lowering the cost of air travel, ECOWAS promotes regional integration while also laying the groundwork for future economic growth. The policy is expected to increase trade, tourism, and airline industry competitiveness, resulting in a more dynamic and connected West Africa. As the reforms take effect in 2026, citizens and businesses alike will benefit from a more affordable and accessible air transport system, opening up new opportunities for regional and global connectivity.